FAQ: Can I set up my Luna® RT-qPCR at room temperature?

Yes. Luna RT-qPCR can be set up at room temperature, but for best results, reactions should be kept on ice prior to thermocycling. Both enzymes present in the kit, Hot Start Taq DNA Polymerase and WarmStart® Luna Reverse Transcriptase, are controlled by temperature-sensitive reversible inhibitors (SOMAmer®). These SOMAmers inhibit polymerase activity below 45°C, preventing undesired nonspecific activity until the reaction is heated above the release temperature during the reverse transcription step.